International court of Justice gains five new judges amid rising case load

Dapo Akande (United Kingdom), Francois Alabrune (France), Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud (Jordan), Rena Lee (Singapore), and Phoebe Okowa (Kenya) were selected for the 15-judge panel. Their terms officially begin on February 6, 2027.

The selection process involved multiple rounds of voting. Initially, agreement was reached on four candidates, but a fifth remained elusive. Marcelo Vazquez-Bermudez of Ecuador received Security Council support, while Phoebe Okowa gained backing from the General Assembly. Vazquez-Bermudez ultimately withdrew, allowing Okowa to secure the support of both bodies.

The ICJ, based in The Hague, comprises 15 judges from different nations, serving nine-year terms and eligible for re-election. Elections are staggered, with roughly one-third of the judges replaced every three years.

The election occurs during a period of unprecedented activity for the court. ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa recently informed the General Assembly that 24 cases are currently pending, encompassing territorial disputes, human rights concerns, and treaty interpretations.

A significant case involves South Africa’s accusation that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention during its military actions in Gaza. While provisional measures have been ordered, a final determination regarding genocide is still pending. The court also issued an advisory opinion in October 2025 concerning Israel’s obligations toward the UN and humanitarian organizations within the occupied Palestinian territory.

The ICJ also announced it will deliver a judgment on November 19 regarding The Gambia’s claim that Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya minority. Established in 1945, the ICJ serves as the UN’s primary judicial body, resolving disputes between nations and offering legal advice on international law.